THE SUN ANCON® CHI MACHINE® AEROBIC EXERCISER: A NEW PATIENT FOCUSED, HOME BASED THERAPY FOR PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC SECONDARY LEG LYMPHEDEMA

Abstract

A significant proportion of those whosurvive lower torso cancer treatments will goon to develop clinically discernible bilateral orunilateral leg lymphedema. Although beneficialtreatments exist for this condition, manyare expensive and involve visits to outpatientclinics or allied health professionals- makingthe patient dependent upon others fortreatment and maintenance. This clinicaltrial tested the efficacy of the Sun Ancon®Chi Machine® Aerobic Exerciser, a homebased therapy that delivered both elevationand passive exercise to the legs. This machinewas used in the participant's home accordingto a set regime with measurements beingtaken immediately before trial commencement,at weekly intervals and then 1 month aftertreatment cessation. After a three weektreatment period there were statisticallysignificant reductions in total leg volume andfluids, whole body extracellular fluid, weightand subjective leg symptoms. Lymphscintigraphyin a sub-group of patients suggested anincrease in lymphatic transport in someindividuals. Although some of the fluid andsymptoms had returned at the 1 month followup, none of the parameters had returned topre-treatment levels. This finding indicatesthat this equipment may have ongoingbeneficial effects. This clinical trial demonstratesthat the Sun Ancon® Chi Machine®Aerobic Exerciser is an effective adjuncttherapy that can be used in the patient's ownhome.